Heaven just got a whole lot funnier and a whole lot louder! On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Brian Keith DeGarmo, 61, traded in his drumsticks for angel wings. He leaves behind a world that will always echo with his laughter, rhythm and a few bad punchlines.
Brian was born November 5, 1962 to his proud and endlessly supportive parents, Orvan Duane “Jackson” & Lavonda Juanita “Bonnie” (Baldwin) DeGarmo. Brian was a small-town kid who loved the simple pleasures in life: fishing, hunting and getting into just enough trouble to keep things interesting. He began drumming in his teens and never stopped. He graduated from Nickerson High School in 1980. He took to the road and played with many bands throughout his life. His longest tour was with Catfish (Patrick Augustine) & the Nightcrawlers (Mike Waters & the late, Kenny Mac Robertson).
Brian also made a career in welding and metal fabrication. He worked for Martinez & Sons, Krause Plow Corporation and DanDee Air. Brian loved spending time outdoors, listening to and playing all genres of music, and telling stories…always looking for the “wow” factor from someone in his audience. He was an avid reader with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Brian was a loyal KC Chiefs’ fan and a Bigfoot believer. He was sentimental to the core and valued his family & friends above all else.
Brian was welcomed into heaven by his parents; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Delgado and Angel Delgado; his partner in shenanigans and musician mentor, Bobby Fletcher; and long- time friends, Donnie Mitzner and Bevo Cole.
Brian leaves behind his life-partner and love, Ursula Delgado and their two beautiful daughters, who took center stage in his life, Amorae Remington DeGarmo and Cassidy Dawn DeGarmo, as well as the high note of his world, grandson Kaysen Keith DeGarmo, all of the home. Survivors also include mother-in-law, Janet Delgado of Hutchinson; father-in-law, Daniel Delgado of Wichita; sisters-in-law, Monica Bell of Hutchinson and Alaysha Plumley (Jessica) of MD; nieces & nephews: Natalie Hopkins, Raven McAllister, Amiyah Combs and Harley Delgado, all of Hutchinson; Braden Pruitt and Avery Blue of Wichita; Jade McAllister of Emporia; Ryder Dove of Dodge City; Kaliyah Delgado of MD; stepdaughter, Anna Sanchez of Haven; and step-granddaughters, Destiny & Mahala Sanchez.
No one can deny that Brian lived life like he played music-with passion, a little improvisation, & a dash of chaos. The celestial band is definitely rocking in full glory now!
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Brian K. DeGarmo Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. To benefit the Brian K. DeGarmo Memorial Fund, please make the check payable to Elliott Mortuary.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.